Stakeholders Share Goals for Students to Earn a Sustainable Wage by Age 25
Twice Yearly Forum Focuses on Student Success
SHREVEPORT, LA.
– Twice a year, the Community Foundation of North Louisiana’s Step Forward initiative hosts an open forum where community members and organizations come together to outline their objectives for students to earn a substantial salary by the time they reach 25.
Winter Meeting Elicits Active Community Participation
The primary aim of the forum focuses on discerning community needs and fostering an alignment of services to ensure the success of children. As Carla Burgos, the Foundation’s Director of Special Initiatives explained, “It’s all on how we can serve better, aligning services to connect students with resources necessary for their success.”
According to the Foundation, the role of parents and caregivers is of paramount importance. They emphasize that family engagement and support at school are crucial to guarantee that their children’s needs are met – a vital cog in the machine of economic mobility.
Vital Role of the Volunteer Organization
For the Volunteers for Youth Justice, the Foundation’s continual endeavor to make resources accessible to all corners of the community is commendable. “We have six main programs that can help children and their families as they navigate through life,” said Alex Person, VYJ’s Community Engagement Director.
One teen volunteer with the organization believes that the program serves as an excellent platform enabling her to contribute towards the success of other students. Sharing her experiences, Indya Carper, a Member of the Teen Advisory Council, stated, “It fills me with joy to be able to help others. By the time college rolls in, we have the opportunity, the resources necessary for success.”
Next Community Meeting
The next community forum is slated to take place in six months. The meeting will witness participation from a diverse set of people, including students, families, representatives of nonprofit partners, and service providers.
Impact of Community Efforts
Keeping in view the collective vision of numerous stakeholders, such meetings do not just carry immense significance but also bring effectual change in shaping the future of many. As the community pitches in to help pave a clear path towards success for the students, it represents an instrumental step towards fostering economic mobility and shaping a more equal society.
A Better Tomorrow
The culmination of these efforts will hopefully see more students earning sustainable wages by the time they reach 25. It empowers future generations with tools for success. In the end, it’s about creating a community that continually strives towards the upliftment of all its members, guiding students through the path of success, and providing them with the necessary tools and resources to build a future devoid of economic hardships.
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Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
